A former Homebase UK store is reopening to customers under the B&Q brand today. B&Q purchased the Winchester Road branch of Homebase in Basingstoke when it was put up for sale in November last year after the DIY and garden retailer collapsed into administration. Homebase was forced to close a swathe of its stores after falling into financial difficulties at the end of 2024, blaming  a decline in consumer confidence and spending post-pandemic for its collapse.

Homebase later struck a deal with retail group CDS - which owns The Range - which saved around 70 of its stores and 1,600 jobs. Rival retailer B&Q also took over a further five branches based in Altrincham, Basingstoke, Biggleswade, Leamington Spa and Worcester. Four of these sites have already opened to customers and the fifth and final store, based on Winchester Road in Basingstoke, is opened today, Friday May 2 at 9am. The existing B&Q store in Lister Road closed on Thursday, May 1, to make way for the new location.

To celebrate the new opening, B&Q is giving out gift cards to the first 50 customers through its doors and the first 100 customers who shop and buy in the new store on Friday will also get a garden plant.

In a post on Facebook, the retailer said: “Heads up! We've got another GRAND STORE OPENING ON FRIDAY. This Friday, 2nd May at 9am will see us welcoming all our amazing customers to our brand new store - B&Q Basingstoke, Winchester Road! And have we got a bunch of fun stuff lined up for you.

“First up - a giveaway (and who doesn't love these!). The first 50 people who walk through our doors will get a B&Q gift card* - first come, first served! Then, a freebie: The first 100 customers who shop and buy in-store that day will get a 13cm flowering garden plant. And some other exciting bits:

“Wear comfortable shoes as you might be inspired to do a little dance to some rocking live tunes. Love dogs? The adorable Dulux dog will be there to say hi. If you're in the area, do pop in, we'd absolutely love to see you!”

The new Basingstoke store is now located in the building that previously housed Homebase to provide a larger space with a wider range of services for customers. This includes timber cutting, a bigger product selection and a faster free click and collect service ready in 15 minutes.

The store also boasts kitchen and bathroom showroom displays, a paint mixing service, key cutting, Rug Doctor hire, an installation service, and online and in-store planning appointments.

A total of 20 staff members previously employed by Homebase have been transferred to B&Q, so the takeover has meant all employees retained their jobs.

Commenting on the purchase of the Homebase stores earlier this year, B&Q chief executive Graham Bell said: “We’re delighted to be buying these five stores, bringing a total of eight additional sites to our fantastic store network in the UK and Ireland.

“We’re determined to give home improvers the choice and convenience they deserve, and to transform the home improvement stores in these locations to fulfil that need.

“It’s a great way to be starting 2025! We look forward to swiftly concluding these purchases and converting the stores to the B&Q brand and offer, and to welcoming our new customers to the stores and new colleagues to the B&Q family.”